Trustedsurf.com

Based on particular behavior Trustedsurf.com was categorized as a browser hijacker. It would seem that the application might replace default homepage for Google Chrome, Mozilla Firefox, and Internet Explorer users. What’s more, our researchers learned that it is hosted on the same server as the following hijackers: yourwebing.com, foryourweb.net, safesurfs.com, safebrowsing.biz. What they all have in common is that they provide an unreliable search engine. If you continue reading the article, you will find out why using Trustedsurf.com could be a bad idea. Additionally, we recommend you to have a look at the removal instructions available at the end of the article. They can help you get rid of the browser hijacker if that is your main goal.

Users should not be surprised to learn that the browser hijacker might settle on the computer together with other questionable software. Freeware installers are often bundled with additional programs. If you download them from unreliable sources, there are chances that the installer could be bundled with suspicious applications, such as Trustedsurf.com. Therefore, you should be more careful the next time you install a program. It is crucial to choose custom installation settings and review all given terms. If you see additional software that you do not need, do not hesitate to deselect it.

The unusual part is that even though the application might come from bundled installers, it does not actually install itself on the system. Trustedsurf.com hijacks user’s browser by modifying the Target line. Users can check it if they right-click the affected browser’s shortcut and select Properties. If you choose the Shortcut tab, you should see the mentioned line. For example, if you are using the Mozilla Firefox browser, normally its Target line should contain “C:\Program Files (x86)\Mozilla Firefox\firefox.exe,” but if the application hijacks it, the line should also have the following link http://trustedsurf.com/?ssid=[unique id].

Another thing you should notice is that the browser hijacker might have replaced your default homepage with a suspicious search engine. From the first look, the search engine might seem regular and harmless. It provides a search bar and a few social media links below it. However, there are no links to Privacy Policy or End User License Agreement documents. Therefore, it could be dangerous to use Trustedsurf.com. Without the Privacy Policy statements you cannot know what kind of user information the application might collect. Also, it is unclear if the gathered data could be shared or sold to interested third parties.

Moreover, users should also worry about the possible third-party ads. The browser hijacker could show you various pop-ups, commercial ads, sponsored links, coupons, and other similar content in the search results. The advertising might come from the software’s third-party partners, and it could also redirect users to other websites. The problem is that the original source of such ads could be malicious web pages. Thus, if you enter such site, you might infect the system with malware, e.g. Trojans, viruses, ransomware, and so on. Besides, you could also come across web pages that advertise other browser hijackers, adware, or potentially unwanted programs.

To summarize, the application is a browser hijacker that might alter your homepage preferences. Also, it could expose the system to malware through the unreliable search engine that the software promotes. It seems to us that risking your computer’s safety for such a doubtful program is probably not the best idea. If you agree with us, we advise you to get rid of the software immediately. Since the application does not install itself, you cannot erase it through Control Panel or by removing its folders.

To eliminate Trustedsurf.com from the affected browser, users should check the Target line. If it has an additional link to the hijacker’s website, you should delete it. The process should not be complicated, but if you cannot remove the application manually, try to download a trustworthy antimalware tool. It has the scanning tool that is easy to use and it should be able to detect the threat. If you have some questions or require any help, contact us via social media or write a comment below.

Delete Trustedsurf.com

Locate the hijacked browser's shortcut.

Right-click the shortcut and click Properties.

Click the Shortcut tab and locate the Target line.

Check if it contains the following link http://trustedsurf.com/?ssid=[unique id]